2008 Freshman Convocation
Braving the high temperatures of a typical late summer day in the San Fernando Valley, approximately 1300 members of Cal State Northridge’s newest freshman class came together yesterday evening for the second annual Freshman Convocation.
Organized by the Division of Student Affairs in collaboration with the entire campus community—and intended as a culmination of sorts of New Student Orientation—it is our hope Convocation will strengthen our students’ commitment to academic success and welcome them to the campus community. In addition to our new freshmen, many faculty, staff, continuing students, and alumni took part or attended.
Author Barbara Ehrenreich was our distinguished keynote speaker, whose book Nickel and Dimed, was selected by the Academic First Year Experiences Committee as the freshman common reading for 2008-09. As in our selection of last year’s speaker, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the Convocation keynote address is meant to evoke what freshmen students should expect as college students and stimulate a willingness to hear other views and to think critically a about important issues. In this spirit, Ms. Ehrenreich provided provocative and thoughtful commentary for our next generation of leaders to consider and think about.
As I looked out at the enthusiastic faces of these future graduates, I was struck by their sheer number. Some of you may know that this year’s freshmen class currently number around 4500—Cal State Northridge’s largest freshman class ever.
Accommodating such a large number of new students creates a significant challenge and impact on faculty, facilities and the University’s limited resources. Nevertheless, Cal State Northridge takes great pride that such a large number of students have chosen to study here. For most, Cal State Northridge was their first and only choice. Their trust in us is a responsibility, challenge and opportunity that everyone at Cal State Northridge takes seriously.
With the start of classes, yesterday’s Freshman Convocation, and the welcome back picnic last week, the new academic year is off to an exciting start!